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Featured Specialist |
 Orthodontics
is a specialty of dentistry that is concerned
with the study and treatment of malocclusions
(improper bites or bad bite), which may be a
result of tooth irregularity, disproportionate
jaw relationships, or both. The word comes from
the Greek words "orthos" meaning straight or
proper, and "odons" meaning tooth. Orthodontics
is the branch of dentistry that specializes in
the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of
dental and facial irregularities.
Orthodontic treatment can focus on dental
displacement only, or can deal with the control
and modification of facial growth. In the latter
case it is better defined as "dentofacial
orthopedics".
 Orthodontic treatment can be carried out for
purely aesthetic reasons with regards to
improving the general appearance of patients'
teeth. However, there are orthodontists who work
on reconstructing the entire face rather than
focusing exclusively on teeth. Treatment is most
often prescribed for practical reasons such as
providing the patient with a functionally
improved bite (occlusion).
Orthodontics is one of the 8 specialties
recognized by the American Dental Association.
The practice of orthodontics involves the
design, application and control of corrective
appliances (braces) to bring teeth, lips and
jaws into proper alignment and achieve facial
balance.
No matter what your age, orthodontics can
protect your bite (occlusion), maximize your
teeth's effectiveness in performing their
functions and create a well-aligned smile.
Today’s orthodontics involves repositioning of
the teeth and underlying roots, providing better
support for the crown of the tooth. Orthodontic
treatment is now associated with the benefits of
greater esthetic appeal, increased comfort and
reduced treatment time.
Orthodontic treatment can also rejuvenate your
facial appearance by reshaping the jaw, neck and
lips, especially when combined with
maxillofacial surgical procedures. In addition,
well-aligned teeth make oral hygiene easier to
maintain.
 Treatment
Plans
Although treatment plans are customized for each
patient, most wear their braces from one to
three years, depending on what conditions need
correcting. This is followed by a period of
wearing a “retainer” that holds teeth in their
new positions. Although a little discomfort is
expected during treatment, today’s braces are
more comfortable than ever before. Newer
materials apply a constant, gentle force to move
teeth and usually require fewer adjustments.
Good oral hygiene is especially important when
braces are present. Brushing regularly, as
directed by the dentist, flossing daily and
scheduling dental visits can help keep teeth
healthy.
Patients with braces should maintain a balanced
diet and limit between-meal snacks. Your dentist
may recommend avoiding certain foods that could
interfere with braces or accidentally bend the
wires. These foods may include nuts, popcorn,
hard candy, ice and sticky foods like chewing
gum, caramel or other chewy candy.
Orthodontics For Adult and Children by Dr. Laski M. Kung
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Accolades:
Accredited Specialist In Orthodontics for
Children & Adults
Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.)
University of California,
School of Dentistry, San Francisco, CA
Masters of Medical Science (M. M. Sc.),
Certificate in Orthodontics
Harvard School of Dental
Medicine, Boston, MA
Micro Implant Ortho Specialist (M.P.H.) |
About Dr. Laski M. Kung
Dr. Kung received his orthodontic certificate
and Master of Medical Sciences (M.M.Sc.) degree
from Harvard University School of Dental
Medicine. During his orthodontic residency at
Harvard, Dr. Kung was also trained at Boston
Children’s Hospital and the Massachusetts
General Hospital through his clinical rotations.
Dr. Kung received his Doctor of Dental Surgery
degree from the University of California San
Francisco. While at UCSF, Dr. Kung was awarded
the first-place prize from the California Dental
Association for his clinical research titled
“Induced Osteogenesis by Periosteal
Distraction”. His research was published later
and received award from the American Dental
Association.
As part of his philanthropic interest, Dr. Kung
was the Chief Clinic Director for the UCSF
Community Dental Clinic, a clinic that provides
free dental care to the underserved population
of San Francisco. In the process, he also
obtained a grant from the Pierre Fauchard
Academy (an international honorary dental
organization) to help fund the project.
Upon graduation from dental school, Dr. Kung was
elected into Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the National
Dental Honor Society and received award and
recognition from the American College of
Dentists.
Dr. Kung is a member of the American Association
of Orthodontists, American Dental Association,
and the Harvard Society for the Advancement of
Orthodontics.
After having lived in Toronto, Vancouver,
Montreal, New York City, Boston, and San
Francisco, Dr. Kung now lives in Mountain View
with his wife and daughter. In addition to
spending time with his family, he enjoys golf,
tennis, skiing, and travelling.
Dr. Kung's Philosophy
Efficient Evidence-Based Excellence - Dr. Kung
believes in delivering the highest quality care
in orthodontics with the most advanced
techniques and materials based on the latest
scientific findings and clinical research.
He believes in fully educating and informing his
patients about the nature of their orthodontic
problems and the treatment options available to
them. Dr. Kung is committed to treating every
patient with dignity and respect and delivering
beautiful healthy smiles.
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